“It was bad enough”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Saturday, July 27, 2024 Psalm 55 (Forward, p. 90) CEV p. 587
Here King David relates an experience that is all too familiar to many of us, namely, the experience of being betrayed by someone we knew, loved, and trusted. We don’t know the exact circumstances or persons that he had in mind, though we might well guess, as there were several instances where this kind of thing happened.
For David, it was bad enough that there were enemies all around him, terrorizing and attacked him, but to have it ‘in his own house’ was terrible, and devastating. How he describes it is incredibly graphic:
“My enemies are not the ones who sneer and make fun. I could put up with that or even hide from them. But it was my closest friend, the one I trusted most. We enjoyed being together, and we went with others to your house, our God” (verses 12-14).
“My friend turned against me and broke his promise. His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword” (verses 20-21).
Most surely these feelings were echoed in Jesus’ own experience of betrayal by Judas Iscariot. As the treasurer of Jesus’ little band, the one trusted to take care of their finances, surely his betrayal must have struck Jesus hard.
But then, this reiterates something that I have often suggested, namely, that Jesus has experienced everything that we will ever go through. We may not have such a momentous or horrendous betrayal, but do we not experience little betrayals rather frequently, those times, perhaps, when people don’t stick up for us, or don’t follow through on their promises, or say or do something that undercuts us or our relationship? And to be honest, do we not do this at times with each other as well? So, Jesus understands and sympathizes with our feelings, and acts, of betrayal, and is thus able to help us deal with them. Thanks be to God.
Forward notes: “Cast your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you” (verse 22a).
“The domestic violence center where I used to work was scrupulously secular (and rightly so because we served people of all religions, including those who said they had no religion). But our clients were welcome to talk to us about anything they liked, and we would listen.
“I was struck by how often people wanted to talk to us about their spiritual lives. Sometimes, they wanted to talk about how their faith had been something that helped them get through difficult times. Other times, they spoke with distress about how they had once had deep spiritual lives but now struggled with doubt and hoped this comfort would not always seem so far away. Sometimes, they would blame themselves for what had happened to them and worry about guilt and judgment from God. Often, they would then realize that if they understood God to be a God of love, God would want them to be safe, and it wouldn’t make sense for God to judge them for being hurt. I would remind them that hope and healing are always possible. I still preach this message today.”
MOVING FORWARD: “Do you ever feel too ashamed or guilty to bring your problems to God? How can you let go of this burden?”